Flintoff Has Shoulder Surgery, Ring Career Likely Done

Andrew Flintoff has had an operation to repair a torn shoulder ligament which is likely to end his boxing career after one bout, but the possibility of a return to cricket remains.

It is unclear whether Flintoff sustained the injury during his fight with American Richard Dawson last month or his many months of sparring, but it is serious enough for him to require surgery, which would leave him facing a long period of rehabilitation and physiotherapy if he decided to return to the ring.

His strict training regimen has left Flintoff leaner and fitter than at any stage of his sporting life and a return to professional sport reignited his competitive instincts, leading to thoughts of a cricket return.

The shoulder injury is serious enough for him to realize his boxing career is over despite offers to box in America. A return to play Twenty20 is one of many options on the table and he will make a final decision in the new year.